Weak Cohesion among Political Elites after the Islamic Revolution of Iran: Contexts and Consequences

Abstract

The Islamic Revolution of Iran, as one of the profound transformations of the twentieth century, was initially characterized by the broad participation of various social groups and diverse elites. Nevertheless, during its first decade, it encountered a fundamental challenge concerning the cohesion and solidarity of political elites. Using a descriptive–explanatory method and drawing on library and documentary sources, this article analyzes the roots and consequences of divergence among political elites following the victory of the Revolution. The findings demonstrate that the absence of institutionalized mechanisms for managing conflicting viewpoints, the predominance of revolutionary fervor over political rationality, and the lack of consensus regarding the state-building project were the principal factors contributing to elite divergence. The article also examines the effects of this fragmentation on the weakening of political stability, the escalation of political violence, and the deceleration of the institution-building process. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of revitalizing the concept of elite cohesion to ensure the future sustainability of the Islamic Republic.